What's on your pet's wish list?

Is your dog or cat on your holiday shopping list? Do they get a new toy or treat during Hanukkah or on Christmas morning?

According to an AP-Petside.com poll last year, more than half of all owners purchase holiday gifts for their pets.

For years, I have used the holidays as a reminder to update ID tags and purchase new collars. But for a pet, getting an ID tag and collar is sort of like a kid getting socks and underwear. While they need these items, what's the fun in receiving these gifts?

So in addition to their collars and tags, I buy them a toy, depending on what they love to do.

Miss Kitty will get a few catnip toys to toss around the house.

Buster will get a new Orbee-Tuff Ball made by Planet Dog because it has five out of five Chompers on the Chew-o-Meter and he's not been able to destroy these balls yet. It's available locally at Tails Natural Pet Market.

Archie will receive a Booda Crinkle Critters plush dog toy. You put an empty water bottle inside the fabric critter for a safe and really noisy toy. Check local pet stores, but they are also available online from places like amazon.com or petfooddirect.com.

Maggie really just wants treats. So she may get something from Fifi and Fido's on Broadway, which offers a line of bakery items just for our canine friends.

For dogs, it's important to find a gift that fits your dog's style of play. Some dogs love balls to chomp or chase; others love stuffed animals that squeak or grunt.

Have a really smart dog? Look for an interactive toy that engages the mind, like a toy that requires your dog to maneuver it to release the treats inside. This is a great toy for a one-dog household. We don't want pets fighting over treats.

For cats, look for toys that are catnip-scented to engage them in active playtime. Cats like toys that make noise, like a Cat Crinkle Sack (amazon.com). It mimics playing in a paper back but is plush and will last for a long time. And they can hide in it.

Some cats love to chase flashlights and lasers. Know your feline's play style.

For kids 8 and younger, expand their compassion for animals by giving them books with humane messages.

Here are my three favorite books right now:

“Let's get a Pup! Said Kate” by Bob Graham shows the joys of adopting a pet from an animal shelter.

“Chewy Louie” by Howie Schneider follows a family who brings home a rambunctious puppy that chomps on everything in the house.

“Curious Critters” by David Fitzsimmons is a book of stunning photographic images of everyday creatures, including a red flat bark beetle, an Eastern spiny soft-shell turtle, a spotted salamander and many other intriguing creatures. It's not about dogs or cats, but it's definitely a book that helps children appreciate the value of critters in our natural world.

Remember, while it's fun to get gifts for pets, don't give pets as gifts.

And rather than leave cookies out for Santa, how about leaving a few treats this year for his reindeer?